Connect Ecclesiastes 9:4 with John 10:10 about living life abundantly. Living Hope While We Breathe Ecclesiastes 9:4: “There is hope, however, for anyone who is among the living; for even a live dog is better than a dead lion.” • Solomon’s observation: as long as a person draws breath, genuine hope remains. • Life means opportunity—opportunity to seek God, to repent, to enjoy His gifts, to fulfill His purposes (Isaiah 55:6). • Death ends earthly opportunity; therefore, living people stand in a place of privilege, however humble they may seem. Life in All Its Fullness John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.” • Jesus identifies Himself as the source and protector of life. • “Fullness” (περισσός) speaks of life that is overflowing, super-abundant—qualitatively superior, not merely longer. • Christ counters every loss inflicted by sin and Satan, offering restoration, purpose, joy, and eternal security (Psalm 16:11). Threading the Two Verses Together 1. Opportunity Meets Provision • Ecclesiastes highlights the opportunity of physical life. • John reveals the provision that makes that opportunity meaningful: Jesus Himself. 2. Better Than a Dead Lion • A lion symbolizes strength, fame, and worldly achievement. • None of that matters once life ends; without Christ, even the greatest achievements cannot rescue from judgment (Hebrews 9:27). • A “live dog” who turns to Christ gains eternal treasure (1 Peter 1:3-4). 3. Today, Not Tomorrow • “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). • The window of hope is open only while we are alive; abundant life begins the moment we receive the Shepherd (John 1:12-13). What Abundant Life Looks Like Day-to-Day • Intimate friendship with God—ongoing access to the Father through the Son (Ephesians 2:18). • Freedom from condemnation and crippling fear (Romans 8:1, 15). • Growing Christlike character: love, joy, peace… (Galatians 5:22-23). • Purposeful work—whatever you do, “do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). • Generous service—“freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). • Secure hope that death itself becomes gain, not loss (Philippians 1:21). Living It Out While the Clock Ticks 1. Receive the Life-Giver • Acknowledge sin (Romans 3:23). • Believe Jesus died and rose for you (Romans 10:9-10). • Trust Him as Lord; He moves you from death to life (Ephesians 2:1-5). 2. Walk Closely Each Day • Feed on Scripture (Jeremiah 15:16). • Talk with Him continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Stay connected to His people (Hebrews 10:24-25). 3. Invest Earthly Moments in Eternal Rewards • Use gifts and resources for kingdom impact (Matthew 6:19-21). • Share the gospel—extend the same hope you have found (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Live in joyful anticipation of His return (Titus 2:13). Key Takeaway As long as we are alive, hope is vibrant. Christ transforms that hope into overflowing, unending life. The wisest response to Ecclesiastes 9:4 is to embrace John 10:10—seize the moment, run to the Shepherd, and live abundantly for His glory while breath remains. |
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